On Monday, June 27th, the U.S. observes National HIV Testing Day, a day which encourages HIV testing and early detection of HIV/AIDS. This year’s event comes at an important time as we mark 30 years since the first reported diagnosis of what would later be known as AIDS.

The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate more than 1.1 million Americans are currently living with HIV, and of those, approximately one in five are unaware they have the virus.1 These 230,000 people are responsible for transmitting more than half of the 56,000 HIV infections that occur annually.2 This is why testing is so important. In 2006, the CDC recommended that a one-time HIV test become routine for all persons between ages 13 and 64, and that those with high-risk behavior such as intravenous drug use and multiple sexual partners be tested annually. Sadly, these recommendations are not followed comprehensively, and too few people are being screened.

New technologies for HIV testing provide high sensitivity, specificity and results within ten minutes. Early detection creates the possibility of access to early antiretroviral therapy and its potential treatment benefits. On June 27th, we encourage everyone to get tested by seeing your regular doctor or entering your zip code on the right to to find a testing site near you